ROCK HILL, SC — Michele Bachmann, the Minnesota congresswoman seeking the Republican presidential nomination, said Wednesday that a “devastating” miscarriage led her to become a foster parent to 23 children.

Speaking to voters in South Carolina, the mother of five biological children said the experience changed her and refocused her family’s priorities. As she appeals to voters, she is talking about opening her home to a rotating crew of teenage girls from troubled families, some staying a few weeks and others for years.

“After our second was born, we became pregnant with a third baby,” she said. “We ended up losing our child, and it was devastating to both of us, as you can imagine if any of you have lost a child.”

She said the experience led her and her husband, Marcus, to re-evaluate their priorities.

“We are committed to life,” Bachmann said.

This spring, Bachmann said she had seen many members of her church with foster children and decided to join them.